By Behaven Kids
A serious threat to autism care is looming in Nebraska and now is the time to act.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a public notice and provider bulletin that outlines drastic cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. These changes, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, could devastate access to vital autism therapy for thousands of children and families across the state.
What’s Changing?
Nebraska Medicaid is proposing the following rate reductions:
- 47% cut to the reimbursement rate for 1:1 direct ABA therapy
- 38% cut to the rate for BCBA supervision and support
The state says these cuts will align Nebraska’s rates with those in other states and promote long-term sustainability. But this justification misses the human impact these numbers represent.
Why This Matters
If enacted, these cuts will create a ripple effect that could impact all families, not just those on Medicaid:
- Clinics may be forced to close or limit services
- Staff layoffs could reduce access to skilled professionals
- Longer waitlists and fewer provider options will limit access to care
- Even families with private insurance may lose services if providers can’t remain financially viable
This is about much more than a spreadsheet. These changes threaten the entire ecosystem of autism care in Nebraska, at a time when demand for ABA services continues to rise.
What You Can Do: Speak Up Now
This is a critical moment—and your voice can make a real difference.
The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) is leading a campaign to urge DHHS to delay these rate cuts and reconsider their impact. Here’s how you can help:
Submit a Comment to DHHS
Let them know how these changes will affect your child, your clients, your staff, or your community.
Use CASP’s Voter Voice Tool to share your concerns:
Click here to act now
Spread the word
Share this campaign with families, educators, therapists, and fellow advocates. Every voice counts.
This Is About More Than Numbers
This is about children who rely on structure, support, and skilled professionals to learn, grow, and thrive. It’s about parents who fight every day to get their child the help they need. It’s about the future of care in our state.
Let’s stand together to protect access to medically necessary ABA therapy. Let’s make sure Nebraska invests in—not abandons—its children with autism.
📢 Take action today. Submit your comment. Share your voice.